Comments: TFMini - Micro LiDAR Module (Qwiic) Hookup Guide

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  • scanman / about 5 years ago / 2

    how do we change the i2c address of this device using arduino code?

    • Hmm, I have not tested this yet. Try checking the manual on page 16. It looks like you have to send a command to reset before writing to the register for the address.

  • Member #1588140 / about 4 years ago / 1

    It's probably good to know that this sensor can be hooked up to a Raspberry Pi as well:

    https://github.com/madewhatnow/TFmini-I2C-Python

    Skip the booster board, connect to ground, 5V, SDA & SCL and you are good to go.

  • Member #1162406 / about 5 years ago / 1

    I tested this sensor on Teensy 3.6. If I use the boost for a 3.3V, at the sensor side I got the power of 2.1V, and signal(SDL SCL) 2.3V. If I don't use the boost, I got the power on the sensor 2.7V and signal 2.7V. Then I use 5V on Teensy 3.6, it seems work. But I got reading of "Data valid: Dist[65533] strength[66] mode[7]" a lot.

    If I do power cycle, I got Dist[165], and I put my hand about 50cm from the lens, I got 30. What is the unit of Dist?

    • Hmm, the Micro LiDAR might be pulling more current then the Teensy can provide. The sensor can pull up to about ~800mA when it auto ranges after a certain distance (i.e. the "Automatic shift mode" in the datasheet). If that happens, the boost converter might not be providing enough power for the Micro LiDAR to operate causing you to see these values printed out:

      Data valid: Dist[65533] strength[66] mode[7]
      

      If you can, try providing a separate power supply that can provide sufficient current for the sensor on Vcc. Just make sure that the sensor is grounded. The example uses power from the USB port which is sufficient over short distances for testing when sending serial to your serial monitor.

      The unit looks to be in cm in the datasheet from Benewake.

    • scanman / about 5 years ago / 1

      I tried it on teensy 3.2 , it works out the box with the sample code WITHOUT the boost converter, then again, teensy 3.2 is 5V tolerant .


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